How to select and retain replacement gilts? The key lies in the parental generation and growth development

When selecting and retaining replacement gilts, first look at the production performance of the parental generation pigs of the replacement gilts. The breeding boars of the parental generation must have good growth and development, high feed conversion efficiency, high lean meat percentage, and no genetic disabilities; the breeding sows of the parental generation must have large litters, strong nursing ability and good mothering ability, a high number of piglets born, and high birth weight. Second, the piglets to be selected must be small sows with high birth weight, good growth and development, fast weight gain, strong constitution, high weaning weight, normal teats with 14 or more arranged neatly and evenly, and no major defects in appearance. Third, after the replacement gilts reach sexual maturity, those with normal estrus, obvious signs, and limbs, teats, growth rate and backfat thickness conforming to the breed characteristics are finally selected and retained for breeding purposes.